What made you get into martial arts?

I got punched in a bar in college and I decided I had to do something to learn to defend myself. My friend, Taylor Rivera, was a purple belt, and he taught me at our college recreation center and at home on my living room carpet.

Tell us about your journey/background/accomplishments?

I’m a tax auditor right now, and I’ve got a CPA license. I am very close to accomplishing a goal I’ve been pursuing since November 2019 — I set out to train 1000 hours in two years. Today, November 5, 2021, Ive recorded 996 hours of training time. I’ve also climbed 10 fourteeners

What is your goal as a coach?

My goal as a coach is to help others achieve their goals and to share our jiu jitsu with anyone who wants to learn it

What makes High Altitude Martial Arts special?

HAMA is special because of the people. It’s cool to meet and get to know people with all kinds of lifestyles and ideas. What really makes HAMA special is the culture of caring for your training partner while still practicing martial arts at a high level and the overall vision and organization of the business, putting martial arts out into the world for as many people as possible. 

I have become a much stronger and more dedicated person, boyfriend, son, employee, and friend thru jiu jitsu. I want everyone to have that if they want it.